Costa Rica

Not far from San Jose, this national park preserves a pristine rainforest full of tropical plants, waterfalls and wildlife. Over 340 bird species have been recorded. The highlight is a ride on the famous rainforest aerial tram, from which you can look down into the forest canopy. There are also several walking trails.

This small national park on the southern Caribbean coast consists of tropical lowland forest, black sand beach, and a beautiful reef around the tip of Cahuita Point. The forest shelters various forms of wildlife, whilst the coral reef has an astonishing variety of marine life. A snorkel and mask are essential here!

This national park protects the last noteworthy tract of primary rainforest in the Central Pacific region. Due to its proximity to the capital, it attracts a lot of visitors – both local and international. However, if you can avoid the crowds it has sufficient wildlife to impress the most avid enthusiast.

For a fitting finale to your visit, take the scenic flight to the remote beautiful Osa Peninsula, on the Pacific Coast. It is a natural paradise with a remarkable species count. You can stay at either a rustic lodges or a tented camp on an idyllic beach amidst lush tropical splendour, surrounded by wildlife!

This stretch of Caribbean coast is one of the finest in the country. The combination of sandy beach, gentle waves, and coral reef close to the surface make it a paradise for nature lovers and underwater enthusiasts. Inland, the wildlife refuge protects many species that are either endangered or at risk.

This stunning coastal landscape includes cliffs, rocky islands, wetland and mangroves. The offshore islands protect seabird sanctuaries where visitors are not allowed, however with binoculars you can watch them from the shore. Guayabo has the largest of Costa Rica’s four known brown pelican nesting sites.

The country’s most visited national park covers a rocky peninsula and its hinterland, plus a large tract of Pacific Ocean. From trails along the rainforest-fringed beach, you can see copious wildlife, including Costa Rica’s only populations of endangered squirrel monkeys, as well as exploring the mangroves.

Named after the humpback whales that arrive between December and April each year, this park extends along a stretch of beach interspersed with mangroves, and out to sea. The largest reef on Central America’s Pacific Coast forms a crescent necklace, with three small islands known as Las Tres Hermanas.

This reserve is thought to be one of Central America’s finest protected areas. Weather from the Caribbean and Pacific create a cloud forest ecosystem that is home to over 100 species of mammal, 400 birds, tens of thousands of insects (including 5,000 different moths) and 2,500 plants (including 420 varieties of orchid).

Located on the southern Pacific coast outside Golfito town, this national park protects some 14,000 hectares of primary rainforest containing many indigenous plants and lots of wildlife. Its creation in 1993 marked a huge victory for conservationists, as the area had been damaged by deforestation and hunting.

Named after the active volcano at its centre, this park protects the dry forest of the northwest, which is home to 200 bird species. A short drive from Liberia, it nevertheless receives relatively few visitors, so you can walk its trails, ride horses, or enjoy its hot springs and pools of boiling mud in relative solitude.

This fascinating lowland area is a good base for exploring Poas Volcano. However the main highlight is La Selva Biological Station, a major research centre for tropical ecosystems. The species diversity here is astounding, with more than 1,850 plants, 448 birds, 70 species of bat and five of Costa Rica’s six felines.

The bustling surf capital of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is blessed with stunning beaches, but is also a good base to explore the surrounding rainforest for wildlife. Its extensive mangroves are protected reserves, and in Marino Las Baulas National Park giant leatherback turtles come ashore at night to lay eggs.

A vast area of untouched rainforest on a remote stretch of Caribbean coast, where beaches, canals and wetlands create an astonishing biodiversity. Activities centre on boat trips through the freshwater creeks and lagoons. Green, hawksbill and leatherback turtles come ashore here to lay their eggs.

Until 2010 Arenal was Costa Rica’s most active volcano. In recent times it has entered a period of quiescence, although you can still hear subterranean rumbles and see the odd ash column. The surrounding national park contains a bizarre landscape of solidified lava flows, lush forest and tropical flora and fauna.

Around the two volcanoes of Tenorio and Montezuma, is an area of primary rainforest and cloud forest. One of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls is found here, where the water tumbles 32 metres into a pool of amazing blue. The subterranean activity endows the area with several hot springs.

Costa Rica’s capital stands in the centre of the country at an elevation of around 1,200 metres, so enjoys an average temperature of 21⁰ C year round. It has the main international airport and is the country’s transport hub. The downtown area is fairly small and has several interesting museums and parks.

This family trip has plenty of interesting activities to introduce you to tropical wildlife, yet there is also ample time to relax (all hotels have a pool) if you wish. The distances are not great, so you won’t waste time travelling, but have maximum opportunity to enjoy Costa Rica to the full.

Enjoy the beauty and spectacle of Costa Rica's flora and fauna on this fantastic trip encompassing the best of the country. Exploring rainforests and coastlines, the itinerary is designed to introduced you to the incredible variety of birds, wildlife and plant species to be found in Costa Rica.

Discover the nature wonders of Costa Rica’s cordillera region and Pacific coastline. From the small yet spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park to the hummingbirds of Monteverde, the trip culminates with a few days at the remote Osa Peninsula, a beautiful natural paradise on the Pacific Coast.

Travel from coast to coast to understand Costa Rica’s complex mosaic of ecosystems, with the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines offering a great contrast to the interior’s steamy rainforests. This suggested itinerary visits some of the lesser-known parks and includes some relaxation time on the Pacific coast.

Trip type: Tailor-made trip idea

Duration exc. international flights: 14 days

When to go

Best visited during the Pacific coast dry season, from December to April. The Caribbean coast has less rain between March and September but, being tropical, expect rain any time.

Seasons

Green season

May to Nov: Most of the country is wetter, although the Caribbean coast received less rainfall

Dry Season

Dec to Apr: Costa Rica’s dry season is generally the best time to visit

Wildlife events

May to Jun: Best time to see three-wattled bellbird at Monteverde

May to Jul: Best time to see quetzal at Monteverde

Jul to Sep: Night walks to see green & hawksbill turtles at Tortuguero

This beachfront boutique eco-hotel is located on quiet and beautiful Playa Hermosa, a wide sheltered bay framed by headlands – a hidden haven for families and nature lovers. Although over one hour from crowded Tamarindo, it is still close enough to be able to explore the surrounding attractions.

This rainforest ecolodge occupies an exclusive location on a narrow strip of land that lies between the Caribbean Sea and the main Tortuguero Lagoon. There is direct access to the sandy beach where, from mid-July until October, green sea turtles (amongst others) come ashore to deposit their eggs

Conveniently situated beside the highway, this jungle lodge is set within Sarapiquí’s dense rainforest. The other inhabitants of this riverside setting include mantled howler monkeys and keel-billed toucans – making it a perfect location to enjoy the exuberance of tropical nature.